Grand Canyon Route Options

There are many combinations of put-in & take-out points which make up the 4 routes available for rafting trips in the Grand Canyon. Most routes have multiple exit locations which can explain how the same route can differ in trip duration from one outfitter to another. For example, a full canyon trip, offered by one outfitter can be rafted in as little as 6-days in length by traveling 188 river miles, while another can be 8-days in length and travel 280 river miles by another outfitter. For additional details on the differences between these Grand Canyon route options, click on the route names highlighted in red.

The full canyon is considered as starting at river mile 0 (Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ) and ending at either river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash – helicopter exit), river mile 225 (Diamond Creek – Drive out) or 280 (Lake Mead – Drive out). This is a great option for those who wish to avoid the strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike at either the start or end of your trip as required on the upper and lower canyon route trips.

The upper canyon begins at river mile 0 (Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ) where you will simply be driven to and walk onto the rafts as the canyon walls are low enough at this point. These trips end at the bright angel trail or close to it at river mile 88 or 89 with a strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike ascending out of the canyon.

The lower canyon begins at the top of the south rim, Grand Canyon Village and descending into the canyon with a strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike via the bright angel trail. There are 3 take-out points depending on the outfitter’s itinerary – river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash – helicopter exit), river mile 225 (Diamond Creek – Drive out) or 280 (Lake Mead – Drive out).

The western canyon trips is the western most 100 miles the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon and begin with a helicopter ride at river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash) into the canyon. After traveling 100 miles, you are driven out at river mile 280 (Lake Mead) at trip’s end. These trips all begin and end in Las Vegas and are a great option for those who wish to avoid the strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike at either the start or end of your trip as required on the upper and lower canyon route trips.